BAYADA Legislative Champion, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, recently introduced a bill which will
address unequal access to the purchase of modified vans through the Catastrophic illness in Children Relief Fund. The bill
is named after BAYADA client Mary Montague.
Not only is Mary a client—but the daughter of an employee! Mom Tara Montague works in the Government
Affairs Office (GAO) as client and family advocacy manager. Mary and Tara have
utilized the fund, and have been important advocates in ensuring the fund is
both adequately funded and accessible for the many New Jersey residents that need
it.

Currently, families can apply to the Catastrophic Fund to
purchase a modified van so that they can safely transport their medically
fragile child. However, current
regulations require that families pay for the van upfront and wait to be
reimbursed by the Fund. This stipulation presents a sincere barrier to
transportation for families that cannot afford to front tens of thousands of
dollars while they wait to be reimbursed.

Mary’s Law addresses this issue by requiring the Catastrophic Fund to provide direct payments for the purchases of specialized, modified motor vehicles. In addition, this legislation will increase the annual surcharge for New Jersey employers from $1.50 to $3.00 per employee to insure the Catastrophic Fund is adequately funded to meet the its purpose and demands.

“Medically fragile children like Mary deserve to travel safely and freely. This legislation ensures that children and their families receive the help they need regardless of their financial situations. Ever since Mary was born, I’ve been a staunch advocate for her needs and for better laws and policies, but I never thought advocacy could hit so close to home–Mary and our family are ecstatic that we can bring about change for all New Jersey’s children and families that need it,” said Tara.

Thank you to Tara and Mary for continuing to be effective advocates on access to transportation. GAO will continue to provide updates as the legislation progresses through New Jersey committees and chambers.

If you have questions about this legislation or how to get
more involved in advocacy at BAYADA on behalf of yourself, a loved one, or your
staff and clients, please contact advocacy@bayada.com today.